Media Releases

Illicit Drug Data Report: Record number of seizures and arrests

Friday, 30 June 2017

Our law enforcement and intelligence agencies are arresting more criminals and seizing more illicit drugs than ever before, according to a new report by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
National’s Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie welcomed today’s release of the Illicit Drug Data Report 2015-16, which provides government, law enforcement and stakeholders with a national picture of Australia’s illicit drug market.
"The report revealed that national illicit drug seizures increased by nine per cent to 115,421 and arrests increased by 15.4 per cent to a record 154,538 arrests in 2015-16 compared to the previous year," Senator McKenzie said.
"Over the past decade the number of illicit drug seizures has increased by 84 per cent, the weight of illicit drugs seized nationally has increased by more than 75 per cent, and the number of arrests has increased by 87 per cent.
"In Victoria, Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) accounted for 56.1 per cent of the weight of illicit drugs seized in the state—the highest proportion reported by any state or territory in 2015–16.
"Almost 40 per cent of arrests related to ATS, with 4.7 per cent of arrests related to heroin and other opioids—both of which are the highest proportion reported by any state or territory in 2015–16.
"Victoria also accounted for greatest proportion of the weight of cannabis seized nationally (26.2 per cent), greatest proportion of the weight of heroin seized nationally (52.2 per cent) and the greatest proportion of national heroin and other opioid arrests (43.6 per cent)," Senator McKenzie said.
Minister Keenan said the Coalition Government is investing almost $300 million to support actions resulting from the National Ice Action Strategy to improve treatment, after care, education, prevention and community engagement."
The Illicit Drug Data Report 2015-16 report can be viewed https://www.acic.gov.au/